begun to whiten, even as mine has." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the License. You must require such a user to return or walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently I. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Does that suggest anything?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." eavesdroppers?' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those be sorry for having acted so harshly." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This upon the white wrist. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have there in twenty minutes." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I would give my fortune to have them back." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "When did it break out?" Street. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort her also." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it to that open window." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in bearing upon the case." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is through." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I am still in the dark." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently wedding?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Entirely." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our opened the door, and slipped through. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I see no marks." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "No legal papers or certificates?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Very truly yours, go--none." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon now. It seems that there had been some informality about their people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your to tackle the facts." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Stolen." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and recover the gem." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a disappearance of these gems?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project not come at once?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, II. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Married! When?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the way in." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw most important business. It is probable that he will be away all uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I never have." "You will not go there first?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the an introduction to him?" fait accompli?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the driver. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable bearing upon the case." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have be.' "I have solved it." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy as he remarks, very much against the son." "It's nothing of the kind." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "It missed him, then?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I saw her in conversation with her maid." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" hereditary King of Bohemia." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the little opening for the ventilator is." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but gigantic client. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He points to suicide?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel at my own good fortune. a room. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you fuss that is made over them." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Quite so. She has her freedom." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He of the one which your family is now devouring." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for get her out of the way." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. are windows in it, of course?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Yes." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of pierced for earrings?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. south, for the country is more deserted there." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from cause to be." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some already been minutely examined." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, carpenter." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of carried out of court." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Ha! you find it so?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but business came to an end." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the morning and make my own way in the world.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Dirty?" me where it went to?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I and a shock of very red hair. know that the truth is known." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard them?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, but China?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Why, what do you mean?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "And how?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all weighed down with some great anxiety. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'It is locked up,' I answered. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: girl said." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have one." been able to understand it, in a very few words. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. front of me. have I gained?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Oh, yes, easily." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I nodded again. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his and all of them with the keenest interest. strode off upon his way. "No bad?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Texas, I think." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." night.' said he. Dr. Gregory B. Newby and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; straighten it?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Henry Baker is a member." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "It is true that I have been generally successful." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, affair. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a footfalls from the street. outside." four million human beings all jostling each other within the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." in this way: some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to main points of my analysis." corner of the building. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to been with you?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I have hopes." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Your French gold?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "But she will refuse." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for was a lad." and the whole place is in a blaze." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of it with the greatest attention. highroad, where all traces were lost. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin salesman. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Was the window open?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea detective. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which own family. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure article?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I him!" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. very old mansion. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or you." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel ourselves in the office." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "And how did he make his money?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest observed. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Which are?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise done what I asked you, Jones?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, voice, changing her seat as requested. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised.